I am utterly horrified by the death of Nex Benedict, a transgender student from Oklahoma. After months of bullying due to their gender identity Nex got into a fight with three older girls on February 7th, then suddenly passed away the next day. Nex died as a result of hate against the LGBTQ+ community. Hate that has been pushed by the highest leaders of the Oklahoma educational system who put partisan politics over the safety and wellbeing of the students these leaders served. Nex did not have to die like this.
Hate has no place in any of our schools, and no LGBTQ+ student should have to suffer like Nex did. I will always push for what is best for all of our students, and to ensure that our LGBTQ+ students feel welcomed and safe in the Pittsfield Public Schools.
To all LGBTQ+ students in Pittsfield and beyond, always remember that there are people who do care about you, want to make sure you are safe, and want to see you succeed into adulthood and beyond.
Resources
Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
For more information about the death of Nex Benedict and the impact it is having on LGBTQ+ students in Oklahoma and beyond
Rolling Stone – ‘That Could Have Been Me’: Queer Teens Mourn Nex Benedict